Boeing has made a significant announcement regarding new orders for its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle aircraft. The company reported on Monday that it has gained commitments for as many as 80 planes from Japan Airlines and Korean Air. This comes in response to competition from Airbus, which had recently made inroads with these airlines following challenges faced by Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed gratitude for Japan Airlines’ continued partnership, stating their enthusiasm for the airline’s choice to renew its order for the 787 Dreamliner as they upgrade their fleet.
This announcement coincides with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a significant event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Dreamliners, with an option for an additional 10, while Korean Air has placed an order for 20 of the 777-9 models and 20 787-10 aircraft, also with an option for 10 more 787-10s.
The mention of a “long-standing partnership” follows a report from March indicating that Airbus had sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking its first purchase of a single-aisle aircraft from a manufacturer other than Boeing. This came during a tumultuous period for Boeing, as the 737 Max was embroiled in controversy and experiencing production delays.
Additionally, Bloomberg had noted that Airbus had secured several wide-body aircraft orders from Korean Air, a departure from the airline’s predominantly Boeing fleet. Analysts suggest these orders were a rejection of the 777x, which is nearing approval for regulatory clearance.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, expressed honor at Korean Air’s choice of their wide-body aircraft, emphasizing Boeing’s longstanding history with the airline and the role of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner in supporting Korean Air’s commitment to sustainability and growth.